I voted because I think it is the right thing to do. I also never miss general election here at home. I would bet that the majority of people here and in attendance at the dinner also voted, because, folks that are involved ,generally participate.
You will always have a large percentage of any group as non participants. They will join and do nothing, either because of available time, lack of experience and or motivation. They will hang around and wait for someone else to get it done. It is the same thing in hunting clubs, PTA, or social groups; it is always up to "somebody" to get it done. Do me a favor, if you know who “somebody” is, send me his phone numbers, I have a few tree stands on our hunting lease that need to be repaired before next season.
Unfortunately, that’s the way it is, 10% of the membership does 90% of the work. The percentage of voters in the election, in my opinion, is about what you can expect from a group this size, it may even be slightly above average. I am a new guy here, but I think the bottom line is, forums like this and others, are a great place to vent and suggest ideas for change. I would bet that the board members and decision makers also read these forums, whether they post or not, they are reading.
I also think you are doing the right thing by letting the leaders hear your concerns anytime you can, e mail, letter, phone or in person. You have to let them know what you think, without your input, they can always say, “I haven’t heard that concern before.” Now, I am not advocating an e-mail bombardment of the board, I am merely saying, let your voices be heard. The two things I have learned in my years as a contract negotiator for our labor group with the County Government,
#1- the squeaky wheel gets the oil
#2- progress is a slow process.